High School
Almost all jobs in this field require at least a bachelor's degree. In high school, you can begin to prepare for a career in forensics by taking a heavy concentration of science courses, including chemistry, biology, physiology, and physics. Computer skills are also important, especially for fingerprint classifiers and computer forensics specialists. Classes in spoken and written communications will be useful because forensic experts must write very detailed reports and are sometimes called on to present their findings in court.
Postsecondary Training
You will need at least a bachelor’s degree in forensic science, molecular biology, criminalistics, natural science (such as chemistry or biology), or a related field to work as a forensic expert. If you work in a specialty, such as forensic engineering or nursing, you will need a degree in that area—engineering and nursing, respectively. Many forensic experts in top positions or who work as consultants have graduate degrees. Visit the Web site of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences (https://www.aafs.org/search/FEPAC-schools) for a list of colleges and universities that offer classes and programs in forensic science and related fields.
Many crime scene investigators who are employed by police departments are sworn police officers and have met educational requirements for entry into a police academy. They augment this training with a bachelor’s degree in either forensic science or one of the natural sciences.
Certification
Some colleges and universities offer certificates in forensic science and its specialties. For example, California State University-Chico offers a certificate in forensic science, and Texas Tech University offers a graduate certificate in applied forensic engineering. Contact schools in your area to learn more about available programs.
Other Education or Training
Many forensic science associations offer continuing education opportunities. For example, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and American Society of Questioned Document Examiners offer continuing education opportunities at their conferences and meetings. Contact organizations in your specialty for more information.
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